It looks like you're logged into a Hotter , although you are currently visiting us at our site. While you can still browse our lovely products, you won't be able to make a purchase from here. What would you like to do?

We have always suspected that you were an active crowd, and the number of entries we received to your favourite walks competition proved our suspicions - but we would like to have some more! We'd love to have 50 by the summer - that's one walk for every year that Hotter has been in business. So far with the help of your walks we've covered 660 miles of the British Isles, and we need your help to reach our target of 50 walks for 50 years of delivering happy feet. From a leisurely stroll to a rugged ramble, send in your favourite walk to weloveshoes@hotter.com, and your preferred trek may feature on our walking map of the UK. We would love to see photographs and don't forget to tell us what kind of footwear you wore on the way.

Name: South West WayLocation: Minehead, Somerset to Poole, Dorset
My favourite walk of all time lasted several years and is the South West Way, which follows the coastline from Minehead to Poole, passing through my home county of Cornwall.
On retirement my husband and I walked every step of this dramatic coastline, covering 630 miles and crossing 17 river estuaries in the process.
We took time to stop and listen to the sound of silence! Relax and listen to the birds! There's so much more to walking them just covering the ground. It's not just legs, but eyes and ears and nose - an assault on the senses.
We had picnics in magical places, took hundreds of photographs (see picture), explored, talked at length to other walkers and generally captured the atmosphere of the great outdoors. The South West Way was our Everest', an adventure every step of the way.
Since this epic journey I discovered Hotter walking boots and I've never looked back! My present pair has covered 170 miles since October 2008 and they're looking as good as ever.
By Mrs Rowe from Cornwall.

Name: Medieval Wall TrailLocation: YorkRecommended Footwear: For exploring York's nooks and crannies Hotter's women's boot Terra and men's boot Victor are designed to make you feel like you're walking on air

The centre of the city of York is surrounded by medieval walls, which can be followed for a pleasant walk.

One of the best places to climb the wall is at Bootham Bar, at the end of High Petergate, close to the Theatre Royal and York City Art Gallery.

Walking clockwise around the walls, behind the Minster and past the Deanery Gardens and the library, which was once the chapel for the former Archbishop's Palace, you reach Monk Bar, which is host to the Richard III museum.
Monk Bar was built in the 14th century and is the tallest gateway, with a portcullis still in working order.
Another fascinating building close to Monk Bar is the Ice House, a small igloo of brick built just outside the city walls on the bank that led down to the moat. It was used in the days before refrigerators and freezers to keep food cool and store ice blocks gathered in winter.
At Layerthorpe Postern you will have to descend the walls. Cross the River Foss, turn right and walk along Foss Islands Road until you reach the resumption of the walls at the Red Tower.
The Red Tower itself was built in 1490 but was decaying badly by the early 18th century and subsequently patched up for use as a stable. This is the only tower built of brick (stone was too heavy for the marshy ground) and its walls are four feet thick in places.
The walk along the walls from the Red Tower leads to Walmgate Bar, the only one to be complete with barbican, portcullis, inner oak gates and wicket. On the inside wall is an Elizabethan house.

This bar was extensively damaged by fire during a rebellion in 1489 and suffered again during the Civil War. Bullet holes inflicted by Parliament's troops after the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 can reputedly still be seen in the stonework.
The next bar at Fishergate is now a minor gateway but once it had a superstructure, portcullis and possibly a barbican. It was damaged by rioters in 1489 and for the next four centuries it was blocked up.

The wall breaks again at this point but can be picked up again at Baile Hill. You need to cross two rivers, the Foss via Castle Mills Bridge, which starts at the foot of Fishergate Postern, and then, by bearing left, Skeldergate Bridge across the River Ouse. Baile Hill was the site of the northern tower, twin to Clifford's Tower.
Today it is just a grassy mound among the trees. From here the walls pass Sadler Tower and the minor Victoria Bar, a simple gateway built in 1878.
Micklegate Bar was the most important of the four main gates. It marked the approach to the city from London and was the bar used by kings and nobles visiting the city.
The Micklegate Museum is open daily from 9am til dusk in summer and is full of models, paintings, sculptures and story boards showing the history of the Royal Bar through the years.
Last run of the wall is on past the Tower of Tofts, past the burial ground opposite the Royal York Hotel and on to Barker Tower on the banks of the River Ouse at Lendal Bridge.
From here, you cross the Ouse again and turn left at the traffic lights and into Exhibition Square. Alternatively, you could turn left after Lendal Bridge into the Museum Gardens to see St Mary's Abbey and The Multangular Tower. The tower was built by the Romans in the fourth century as part of the city's fortifications.
The Museum Gardens contain plenty to visit, and are worth spending several hours in on their own. If you leave though the walkway to the left of St Mary's Abbey and past the well-preserved gatehouse and Abbot's quarters, it brings you out on Marygate.
Turning right and walking next to Abbey walls to the end of the street brings you back out on Bootham. Turning right again round St Mary's Tower will bring Bootham Bar into view at the end of the street.

Bolton Abbey is only 15 minutes drive from the store in Colne and the walk when you get there is fantastic. You can walk along the river in the summer and it is absolutely stunning. One of the walks you can do is from Bolton Abbey to Cavendish Pavilion:
From the village green go through the Hole in the Wall. The large hollows on either side of the path through the meadow are the remains of the medieval fishponds. Follow the path past the Priory to the river. Cross the footbridge adjacent to the Stepping Stones.

Turn left and follow the riverside path across the meadow, or for views of the Priory and Barden, follow the incline up the hill and left into woodland. The two paths meet before the ford at Pickles Beck. The footpath continues beside the beck to a small bridge and leads back to the river.

Cross the river at the Wooden Bridge. Here the Cavendish Pavilion provides refreshments, lavatories and a gift shop.
The footpath continues on the riverside returning to Bolton Abbey. Keep an eye open for herons, dippers and kingfishers.

A path leads back to the Priory grounds. The Priory, part of which is used as a parish church, is open all the year.

Follow the drive, or take the path by the river to the bridge and then return to the village.
By Andrea Monk, Hotter Store Manager at Boundary Mill, Colne.

I really enjoy walking the full length of Bournemouth Gardens. They are only a stones throw from the Hotter shoe shop. Bournemouth's Gardens are split into three areas of Victorian beauty - starting with the Lower Gardens, next to the sea and leading to the Central Gardens in the town centre and then the Upper Gardens. You can walk right off the beach all the way to coy pond! The pond there is lovely and the benches there are perfect for a rest and taking in the view. The Upper, Central and Lower Gardens are maybe the most famous and retain much of their Victorian character and are Listed Grade II. You can take a beautiful walk from the seafront through these gardens for 1.5 miles and take in the many trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants from around the world. The Lower Gardens are renowned for they're floral bedding displays throughout the year.
By Diane Lock from the Hotter store at 37 Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth

Name: Cannock Chase War TrailLocation: Cannock Chase, Staffs
Cannock Chase was designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty in1958 because of its beautiful landscape, its wildlife and its history. I consider myself very lucky to live nearby.

What is so captivating about this part of Staffordshire is that it is so beautiful in all seasons. People from this area have visited New England in the fall and have been disappointed as Cannock Chase is just as colourful and spectacular in autumn.

There are many walks on the Chase and it is not easy to choose a walk however I have chosen a walk, which represents the military history of the area and visits the beautiful Sherbrook Valley.

This particular walk covers Freda's grave. Freda was the Dalmatian mascot of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade that was stationed on Cannock Chase during WW1.

The Commonwealth soldiers that died in the military hospital on the Chase are buried in the Commonwealth Cemetery. It is not unusual to meet visitors from New Zealand whilst walking and each year on ANZAC day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) a service takes place at the cemetery.

Situated nearby is the German War Cemetery and Visitor Centre. This is a very thought provoking place.

If you prefer to take in a stately home then a visit to Shugborough is a must. There are many beautiful walks around the estate.

Whilst the walk I have mentioned are of historic interest the area is abundant with wildlife and whatever your interest there is something for everyone on Cannock Chase.

My Favourite walk is Talkin Tarn Country Park located in Brampton Cumbria which is about a 20 minute drive from our store at Gretna.

The park has a beautiful scenic lake which is easily accessible to walk around, which I have done many times!

The walk is about 1.5 mile circular around the lake and the scenery is beautiful. There are many benches and picnic areas to rest and take in the view of the lake and surroundings while listening to the wildlife.

It is also a great place to take your children/grandchildren for an inexpensive day out as they can run around in the woods and enjoy the fresh air. There are also boats which can be hired to go out onto the lake.

Refreshments are available in the tea room and you can sit out on the balcony and enjoy the view.

Name: Langstone Harbour TrailLocation: Emsworth, Hants
One of my favourite walks is from Langstone Harbour along the shore to Emsworth and back again. You can start at either end, parking at either The Ship Inn at Langstone or at one of the car parks in Emsworth. The path is well marked but do check the tide table as you could get wet feet! There is an inland path for part of the way if you want variety, which takes you through the woodland and either through or by Warblington Church Yard. At Langstone is an attractive mill (see picture)
It's a great walk for being by the sea and also in the countryside. It's flat which is a great advantage, although some of the path can be shingly underfoot. Emsworth is a small, pretty town so for me this walk has the best of both worlds!
By Mrs Rees from Hampshire.

Welcome to the historic City of Chester! The city can be traced back to 70AD when the Roman fortress of Dewa was founded. Today, Chester is a major tourist attraction and shopping location thanks to its unique Medieval Rows, cobbled streets and chic boutiques, making it the ideal location for the Hotter store at 30 Eastgate Row South!

Start outside the Hotter shop and head down Eastgate Street towards the clock. The galleried shopping arcades called The Rows are unique in Britain and are much loved shopping highlights of the City.

To the Eastgate Clock, which is allegedly the most photographed timepiece in the world after London's Big Ben. Walk underneath the clock and use the steps on your left to get up onto the Roman walls.

Start walking around the walls (anticlockwise) towards the Cathedral (on your left), and soon you will arrive at a corner where you will find King Charles Tower. The Tower started life as the North East Corner Tower to the original Roman Fortress.

On the right of the wall past the tower you can see the Shropshire Union Canal.
Carry on forward and take time at the top of the steps at Northgate Bridge to look at the distant Welsh hills (on a clear day!).

To the right of Northgate you will see a narrow footbridge spanning the canal known as The Bridge of Sighs, which was used to prevent prisoners escaping to the main road as they marched to the Bluecoat Chapel for their last rites.

Carry on along the wall and walk over the ring road bridge and at the next turn in the wall you will find Bonewaldesthorne's Water Tower. Up until the early Middle Ages Chester's River Dee lapped at the bottom of the tower.

The Walls now head south, following what used to be the steep banks of the river. Here the walkway becomes level with the road. Carry on and look left to see the Queens School formerly the site of the City Gaol and House of Correction'.

Moving on and following the wall you will come to Watergate - which from Roman Times was the location of the wharves of the Port of Chester - once the busiest in the North West. The Port has long gone, but the Lord Mayor of Chester still bears the title Admiral of the Dee'.

Cross over Watergate and carry on along Nun's Road - named after the 12th century Benedictine Nunnery of St Mary's which stands at the bottom. From the walls here there are great views of the Roodee Racecourse - which is the oldest racecourse in the UK.

Now carefully cross the Grosvenor Road, look right to see the Grosvenor Bridge which was opened by Princess (later Queen) Victoria, in 1832 and was the longest single span stone bridge in the world. To the left you will see Chester's castle which once guarded the port and strategic river crossing.

Carry on around the castle as the path joins the road (Castle Drive), turn left and pass the County Hall.

Follow the wall until you come to the round tower at Bridgegate. You have now covered all four gates of Chester! Bridgegate once guarded the Old Dee Bridge - which, until 1832, was the only crossing into Wales.

Keep following the wall and as you head away from the river you will pass the watchtower and reach Newgate. Go down the steps to your right following the sign to the Roman amphitheatre which was built around 86 AD and held 7,000 spectators.

At the bottom of the steps turn right and right again to enter the Roman Gardens - follow the meandering path or come straight down the steps. Bench's here provide a well earned rest!

My favourite place to walk is nearby Mere Sands Wood. Only 15 minutes drive from the Southport store it's a wildlife-rich haven, made up of lakes, mature woods and heaths. Well worth a visit with over 170 bird species, 17 mammals and supporting a small population of squirrels. The Reserve has three circular trails, of which two are accessible by wheelchair. The site boasts six hides, a viewing platform and a well equipped visitor's centre with picnic area. Open all year round, six days a week, it's a local gem and not to be missed!

Name: Wordsworth's WalkLocation: Lake District
My favourite walk is called Wordsworth's Walks for reasons which will come apparent. Park your car at the large car park at White Moss Common between the lakes of Grasmere and Rydal. Walk down to the bridge over the little river Rathay. Cross the bridge and make your first choice - walk along by the river to the lake or walk up through the woods and out of a little gate in the wall onto Loughrigg Fell. In early summer these woods are a sea of bluebells.

If you choose to go by the river you can then continue around the edge of the lake, if you choose the more energetic route, follow the wall over the brow of the hill and either drop down to the edge of the lake or take the higher path along Loughrigg Terrace, with spectacular views of Grasmere and the surrounding hills.
Either route will bring you to the road at Red Bank, follow this road until you reach the village of Grasmere. You might like to find some lunch here, an ice cream, or be tempted by Grasmere's own version of gingerbread! You can also visit Wordsworth's grave in the little churchyard.

Follow the road past the church and out of the village towards the main road. Turn right and then left and this will bring you to Dove Cottage (You may want to visit or save it for another day). Carry on up the hill past the house and visitors centre. If you want a shorter walk you can turn right and follow the road back to White Moss Common, otherwise carry on up the hill and turn right towards Rydal. This is a pleasant walk along a tree shaded lane, past a pond where you may see a heron.

The path continues on along the fell side past a junction which again allows you to return to the car but press on and you soon come out into a field over looking Rydal Water. There are seats along here to allow you to catch your breath and admire the view. If you are in the mood for sightseeing you can also pay a visit to Rydal Mount, where Wordsworth lived for many years.

Now for the Homewood stretch, down the road past the little church which has its own host of golden daffodils in the spring, to reach the main road. Turn right and walk along side the wall which leads to a bridge over the Rive Rathay. Cross the bridge and follow the path, which skirts Rydal Water and then climbs back to the little gate in the wall. Walk back down through the woods, over the bridge and into the car park.

I love this walk which is a joy to do at anytime of year - daffodils in the spring, bluebells in the summer, the sun sparkling on the water, and frost turning the trees into a winter wonderland, but the best of all is the riot of colour which is Autumn. Come do my walk and tell me it's not the best in Britain!
By Mrs Mitchell from Cumbria.

Name: Windermere WalkLocation: Lake District
Description: Each of the lakes has a perfect quiet spot, this just happens to be one of mine. It has boat trips and lots of lovely picnic spots, a little bit of something for everyone.

Name: Madeira WalkLocation: Madeira
I spend half my time in sunny Madeira, which is a very rugged place - especially our bit of the island. There is no such thing as a "flat" walk, and even the pavements are mostly cobbled.
For ages I've had to virtually live in walking-boots there, but now, thanks to Hotter, I've got shoes that can cope with the terrain.

Here I am on New Year's Day, taking my poor Melody shoes on an unexpected climb up the mountain. (The sun came out and we couldn't resist it, however unsuitably clad). But I'm happy to report that "Melody" took it in her/their stride, and we got to the top with not even one blister!

Name: Bolt Head and Bolt TailLocation: South Devon
This is one of our favourite walks - it is along the coastal path - and goes up onto the top of cliffs and down into valleys which are full of birds such as yellow hammers. Also on the high ground you can see seabirds. We wear our walking boots.

Our second favourite walk is along the coastal path at Marloes, Pembrokeshire where we can see porpoises, choughs, ravens and many seabirds.

Name: Telford town parkLocation: Shropshire
My favourite walk is through the 400 acres of Telford Town Park in Shropshire.
I used to walk in my brown Hotter slip ons but as a walk leader I now use walking boots.

Name: LizardLocation: Cornwall
My favourite walk is on the Lizard in Cornwall. From the village at the Lizard round the coastal walk stopping for hot chocolate or refreshing cup of tea (depending on the time of year) and up towards the lighthouse and then back round to the village. Brilliant at any time of the year. You even get to see the famous Choughs in the early summer and the flowers along the way are so beautiful.

Name: Hunstanton to CromerLocation: Norfolk
This varied coast path runs through an area of outstanding natural beauty with grand cliffs, salt marsh, sand dunes and some shingle beaches. With a lively resort at each end â€“ Hunstanton â€“ known for its Lavender Centre â€“ and Cromer â€“ for its delicious crabs â€“ the route moves inland now and again which can be handy for a pub lunch or a tea stop.

My friend Valerie and I have walked the route in sections over several years stopping off at one of the local attractions. You can catch a boat to see the seals at Blakeney Point and visit Holkham Hall, home of the Earls of Leicester.

Cookie Policy

We use cookies to provide the best service for our online visitors. You are free to manage this via your
browser setting at any time. To learn more about how we use the cookies, please see our
cookie policy. Close